Design intent
The house is organized as a simple right-angle form. A two-story volume runs parallel to the river, placing the principal living spaces along the view and giving the home a clear relationship to the water. A perpendicular wing contains three bedrooms and a children’s bunk room, then continues through a breezeway to the accessory dwelling above the garage.
Within the main volume, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are connected beneath a warm timber structure. Above them, a floating loft known by the family as “the attic” creates a quieter place to sit while maintaining views into the living space, across the decks, and out toward the forest. The arrangement allows the house to feel open and communal without sacrificing smaller places for retreat.
Oriented toward the river
The main volume follows the edge of the Zigzag River, framing long views through the living spaces and drawing daily life toward the water. The south-facing patio carries that relationship outside, creating room to gather beneath the trees.
Open, with places to retreat
Shared rooms are generous and connected, but the house is not one continuous open space. The bedroom wing, bunk room, loft, and accessory dwelling provide quieter places apart from the main activity of the home.
Shaped by the forest
Steep roof forms, deep overhangs, warm wood, and dark exterior materials allow the building to sit comfortably among the Douglas firs. Carefully placed windows capture filtered sunlight and views while maintaining a sense of shelter.
The main gable opens the shared living spaces toward the forest and river.
A breezeway connects the bedroom wing to the accessory dwelling above the garage.
Timber structure and tall glazing bring warmth and natural light into the central gathering space.
The kitchen sits within the main volume, connected to the dining room, living room, patio, and views beyond.
Warm wood cabinetry and restrained finishes carry the material character of the house into the working spaces.
Natural light enters from several directions, bringing the surrounding landscape into the most private rooms of the house.